President Yoon Suk-yeol hosts talks with youth on three major reforms

President Yoon Suk-yeol and first lady Kim Keon-hee hosted a discussion on Dec. 20 with 200 youths on three major reforms of labor, education and pension.

Through the roundtable, the president before the year ends sought to greet and thank youths who expressed their opinions on government administration, the Office of the President said.

The event also allowed the chief executive to listen to youth opinions on the three major reforms for future generations and share his ideas on those tasks, the presidential office added.

In his greeting, Yoon said, "I decided to run for president last year out of concern that future generations would ultimately lose hope in our society over not receiving proper compensation and fair opportunities due to special interest cartels."

"When running public affairs, it is crucial to embrace the thoughts and ideas of youth and allow them to experience how government affairs work," he said, pledging to expand policy toward internships for youth.

Participants at the meeting announced the theme "Youth's Role in the Three Major Reforms." President Yoon said, "Of the three, labor reform must be pursued first."

He also mentioned his four principles for labor reform as flexibility, fairness, safety and stability.

"There is a little over four years left in my term, and I cannot change all of society's problems over that time," the president added. "What is most important is to do our best to achieve the reforms so that they do not regress, and the remainder is for all of you to properly inherit, develop further and complete."

Asked on whether she was always interested in environmental issues, the first lady said, "Our environment holds the most precious value that humanity must protect regardless of individual ideology or inclination," adding, "No matter which sector you work in, please pay close attention to the environment."